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HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — A Hampton man facing dozens of animal neglect charges after his 16 pit bulls were impounded last week faced a judge for the first time Wednesday afternoon.

Vernon Silver heard the charges read aloud in court and vowed to fight them. He was not happy as he left the Hampton courthouse, and gave no other comment than to say “it’s not over.”

At issue — alleged unsanitary conditions in his backyard where animal control officers seized his dogs. Hampton police officers testified they found the dogs in cramped cages with standing water and feces with no access to dry surfaces.

In court, both sides admitted there was rain last week, and Silver said poor drainage left puddles behind. He said he loves his animals and was taking care of them everyday.

“I’m his neighbor, and he takes care of his dogs,” said Lee McBee. “I mean, maybe not the best person in the world, but I know that he’s out there cleaning up after them, feeding them and watering them. That’s about all I have to say.”

A judge decided to keep the dogs sheltered at the Peninsula SPCA for now. Silver has another court date later this month. He’s facing jail time and/or fines, if convicted of the charges.